About Joy Osman

My abstract paintings take their inspiration from jazz and classical music. Although I sometimes use canvases and wooden panels for larger scale compositions, I prefer to  work on heavy watercolour paper, which lends itself well to working in an improvisational manner with fluid acrylics.
For the abstracts, I have adopted some of the techniques of screen printing, using brushes, squeegees and various other tools. Windows of colour are built up and in a similar way, lines and tones develop through the layers to express and interpret rhythms, textures and moods in the music.
Myth and imagination form the basis of my figurative work, which is generally in charcoal or pastel. Like the acrylics, charcoal and pastel are very sensual media which I enjoy using. Hiding in the dark cellar of my father's chemist shop took up quite a lot of my childhood and provided the foundation of dark imagery that pervades many of my drawings. These are also inspired by the imagery of alchemy and mysticism. Another influence has been the Geffrye Museum where I spent much of my early life. That love of museums hasn't left me. In particular, I love the British Museum, where I draw early sculptures. Other influences include Rembrandt, Goya, Eileen Cooper, Howard Hodgkin and Ken Kiff.
My work in Art and Design has been very varied and has included bookjacket illustrations for Women's Press and promotional work for the BeeGee's hit, 'Tragedy'. In addition to my permanent solo exhibition at the Watford School of Music, I have written and illustrated a book called, 'I Can't Wait To Be On TV!', published by Matador in 2013 and available on Waterstones' and Amazon's website.
Exhibitions include: Gagliardi Gallery Chianciano Biennale at Museo D'Arte/  2018 
The Oxo Tower 2018, The ICA, The Mall Galleries, The Hall Richards Gallery, The Imagination Gallery, AOI Galleries, Diesel House Studios